It is a much-awaited plan from the health sector and has been (re)discussed in Belgium for a few months now. The interfederal alcohol plan carried by Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) which aims in particular to avoid overconsumption was to land at the end of February but will more than likely wait until mid-March. Some proposals from the Minister of Health on the table are becoming clearer, relates le Nieuwsblad.
1. 18 for all spirits
This is already the case for spirits which are today prohibited for sale to those under 18. But in his new alcohol plan, Minister Frank Vandenbroucke wants to extend the measure to certain spirits that slip through the cracks such as port, sherry and Martini which can be bought at 16. No change for wine and beer which would remain available from 16 years old.
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2. Vending machines, gas stations
One of the strong measures envisaged: the ban on sales in vending machines from 2024. Frank Vandenbroucke also proposes to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages in service stations located on motorways between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Morning. He also wants to ban alcohol in hospitals, with the exception of cafeterias.
3. No for young people
Another axis which the Minister of Health wishes to tackle: . Frank Vandenbroucke wants to ban on television within five minutes before and after a program intended for a minor audience.
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The ban would also apply when showing a film in the cinema, in newspapers and magazines aimed at young people as well as on social networks which mainly target a minor audience, such as TikTok for example.
4. Label for the Horeca sector and labels
Frank Vandenbroucke plans to introduce a label for the hotel and catering sector. This “Quality nights” label would then be awarded to those who do enough prevention and risk reduction. A similar system could emerge in the hotel sector.
For 2024, the labels present on the alcohol content could also be modified. With information on the unit of alcohol, and health warnings similar to those affixed to the packet of cigarettes. The drink would carry a message of prevention on the risks of liver disease or fatal cancers.
5. Drunk driving: less tolerance?
Other additional measures are also under discussion. Among them, the lowering of the blood alcohol level authorized in circulation today set at 0.5 g/l in the blood.
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There is also talk of a working group to study the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol or interventions that make alcohol less attractive, such as higher taxes, reports the Nieuwsblad.
All governments will consider Frank Vandenbroucke’s proposal in March.